rat bite...

[venessa214]

Comet decided yesterday that he was going to explore, and left his cage on his own (he's never seemed interested in leaving on his own accord, had the front opened so that I could get him some crickets)...He found the rat cage and apparently thought it would be a good place to climb. One of the rats, however, decided that Comet's foot looked like a tasty snack, and bit him. There is a very small laceration (barely visible today) on the underside of his front 'hand' and a small wound on the top of his 'hand'. Is neosporin ok to use on it? He still has good grip with it, and is not favoring that hand at all. His appetite is great as well. I'm keeping an eye on it, it appears to be bruised somewhat, but does not look horrible at this time.

 

[CamiGirl89]

Neosporin is fine to use on small wounds, but definitely keep an eye on it (as I am sure you are). If you have an exotic vet around, I would recommend calling to ask about how "dirty" rat bites are. Call long distance if you have to, knowledge is power. I know some animals (such as cats) have a high level of bacteria in their saliva. I doubt rats have the same level, but it would be good to make sure that there are no internal antibiotics, etc. that you should be giving. You make sure you tell your little guy that he is not allowed to go out like that unattended! Lock his door!

 

[venessa214]

Neosporin is fine to use on small wounds, but definitely keep an eye on it (as I am sure you are). If you have an exotic vet around, I would recommend calling to ask about how "dirty" rat bites are. Call long distance if you have to, knowledge is power. I know some animals (such as cats) have a high level of bacteria in their saliva. I doubt rats have the same level, but it would be good to make sure that there are no internal antibiotics, etc. that you should be giving. You make sure you tell your little guy that he is not allowed to go out like that unattended! Lock his door!

I definitely won't be leaving it open to run into the other room any more now that I know he is keen to explore!! I didn't even think to call the vet and ask, I will do that tomorrow. I knew cat bites weren't to be messed around with, they get nasty fast!
Thank you!

 

[CamiGirl89]

No problem! It is always better to be safe than sorry, and keeping a vet up-to-speed on what is going on will make things better. If an emergency happens, they will be able to quickly recall the whole situation! Let us know how your explorer is doing!

 

[venessa214]

I will definitely keep you updated! This is the cham that I traded an aquarium for three weeks ago, very underweight and dehydrated. He has come so far in the last three weeks!

 

[venessa214]

Just wanted to update that Comet's hand is healing nicely! He never seemed to be bothered or impaired by the bite, and let me clean it up and put neosporin on it with no issue.

 

[CamiGirl89]

Just wanted to update that Comet's hand is healing nicely! He never seemed to be bothered or impaired by the bite, and let me clean it up and put neosporin on it with no issue.

Wonderful, so glad to hear it! What a little trouble maker!

 

[Trillian]

Glad he's healing well! Bet he's planning revenge and dreaming of the day he's huge and will go all sticky-tongue on those impudent rodents...